Apparatus, system, and method for a drive-through grocery service

ABSTRACT

A system for use in consolidating items into orders and delivering items to a workstation is described herein. The system includes a plurality of workstations, each workstation including an assembling area for assembling orders, an assembly line system configured to deliver items to the plurality of workstations, and a computing system to execute the steps of: receiving an order notification indicating an order, identifying items included in the order, assigning a corresponding workstation to the order, and operating the assembly line system to deliver the identified items included in the order to the corresponding workstation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/745,445, filed May 16, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/937,323, filed Jul. 23, 2020 (now U.S. Pat. No.11,358,795, issued Jun. 14, 2022), which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/802,101, filed Feb. 26, 2020, (now U.S.Pat. No. 10,759,603, issued Sep. 1, 2020) which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/792,209, filed Oct. 24, 2017 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,611,570, issued Apr. 7, 2020), which claims the benefitof the U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/412,814, filed Oct. 25, 2016,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection by the author thereof. Thecopyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyoneof the patent document or patent disclosure for the purposes ofreferencing as patent prior art, as it appears in the Patent andTrademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relates to adrive-through service. More particularly, the invention relates todrive-through service with automated smart shelves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that,while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as toadditional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limitingthe present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated orimplied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background,another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is thatshopping service includes a scanner teller station a sacker pullerbrings gathered ordered customer groceries to be scanned and sent downthe conveyor belt to the end of the counter in which the scanner'ssacker sacks the groceries. The Parking Numbers are painted in a deepyellow so, the different parking Lanes can be easily identified.

By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior artgenerally useful to be aware of is that a computer-implemented methodand system pertains to drive through grocery pickup. Upon identificationand a determination of a corresponding remotely placed order, a customeris directed to a pickup location.

By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior artgenerally useful to be aware of is that an Internet-based groceryordering system and method provides drive-through customer pick-up ofgrocery orders at multiple remote locations as selected by the customer.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniquesare not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary aerial view and layout of a store inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary interior layout of a store, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary layout of a warehouse area, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary layout of smart mechanical shelves, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary layout of an assembly line, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary layout of a workstation, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary layout of a storage area, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary layout of a storage area, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary order process, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary grocery delivery process, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary computing system, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary client/server systemwhich may be used by an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 13A-13G illustrate exemplary smart shelves, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailedfigures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to theFigures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled inthe art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention,recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, dependingupon the needs of the particular application, to implement thefunctionality of any given detail described herein, beyond theparticular implementation choices in the following embodiments describedand shown. That is, there are modifications and variations of theinvention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within thescope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as pluraland vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, whereappropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply thatthe two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturingtechniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be notedthat as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is areference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof knownto those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a referenceto “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or meansand may include substeps and subservient means. All conjunctions usedare to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, theword “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical“or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the contextclearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to beunderstood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.Language that may be construed to express approximation should be sounderstood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All words of approximation as used in the present disclosure and claimsshould be construed to mean “approximate,” rather than “perfect,” andmay accordingly be employed as a meaningful modifier to any other word,specified parameter, quantity, quality, or concept. Words ofapproximation, include, yet are not limited to terms such as“substantial”, “nearly”, “almost”, “about”, “generally”, “largely”,“essentially”, “closely approximate”, etc.

As will be established in some detail below, it is well settled law, asearly as 1939, that words of approximation are not indefinite in theclaims even when such limits are not defined or specified in thespecification.

For example, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App.1941) where the court said “The examiner has held that most of theclaims are inaccurate because apparently the laminar film will not beentirely eliminated. The claims specify that the film is “substantially”eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slightportion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view,therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.”

Note that claims need only “reasonably apprise those skilled in the art”as to their scope to satisfy the definiteness requirement. See EnergyAbsorption Sys., Inc. v. Roadway Safety Servs., Inc., Civ. App. 96-1264,slip op. at 10 (Fed. Cir. Jul. 3, 1997) (unpublished) Hybridtech v.Monoclonal Antibodies, Inc., 802 F.2d 1367, 1385, 231 USPQ 81, 94 (Fed.Cir. 1986), cert, denied, 480 U.S. 947 (1987). In addition, the use ofmodifiers in the claim, like “generally” and “substantial,” does not byitself render the claims indefinite. See Seattle Box Co. v. IndustrialCrating & Packing, Inc., 731 F.2d 818, 828-29, 221 USPQ 568, 575-76(Fed. Cir. 1984).

Moreover, the ordinary and customary meaning of terms like“substantially” includes “reasonably close to: nearly, almost, about”,connoting a term of approximation. See In re Frye, Appeal No.2009-006013, 94 USPQ2d 1072, 1077, 2010 WL 889747 (B.P.A.I. 2010)Depending on its usage, the word “substantially” can denote eitherlanguage of approximation or language of magnitude. Deering PrecisionInstruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314,1323 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (recognizing the “dual ordinary meaning of th[e]term [“substantially”] as connoting a term of approximation or a term ofmagnitude”). Here, when referring to the “substantially halfway”limitation, the Specification uses the word “approximately” as asubstitute for the word “substantially” (Fact 4). (Fact 4). The ordinarymeaning of “substantially halfway” is thus reasonably close to or nearlyat the midpoint between the forwardmost point of the upper or outsoleand the rearwardmost point of the upper or outsole.

Similarly, the term ‘substantially’ is well recognized in case law tohave the dual ordinary meaning of connoting a term of approximation or aterm of magnitude. See Dana Corp. v. American Axle & Manufacturing,Inc., Civ. App. 04-1116, 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 18265, *13-14 (Fed. Cir.Aug. 27, 2004) (unpublished). The term “substantially” is commonly usedby claim drafters to indicate approximation. See Cordis Corp. v.Medtronic AYE Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (“The patentsdo not set out any numerical standard by which to determine whether thethickness of the wail surface is ‘substantially uniform.’ The term‘substantially,’ as used in this context, denotes approximation. Thus,the walls must be of largely or approximately uniform thickness.”); seealso Deering Precision Instruments, LLC v. Vector Distribution Sys.,Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1322 (Fed. Cir. 2003); Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v.Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022, 1031 (Fed. Cir. 2002). We findthat the term “substantially” was used in just such a manner in theclaims of the patents-in-suit: “substantially uniform wall thickness”denotes a wall thickness with approximate uniformity.

It should also be noted that such words of approximation as contemplatedin the foregoing clearly limits the scope of claims such as saying‘generally parallel’ such that the adverb ‘generally’ does not broadenthe meaning of parallel. Accordingly, it is well settled that such wordsof approximation as contemplated in the foregoing (e.g., like the phrase‘generally parallel’) envisions some amount of deviation from perfection(e.g., not exactly parallel), and that such words of approximation ascontemplated in the foregoing are descriptive terms commonly used inpatent claims to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specifiedparameter. To the extent that the plain language of the claims relyingon such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing areclear and uncontradicted by anything in the written description hereinor the figures thereof, it is improper to rely upon the present writtendescription, the figures, or the prosecution history to add limitationsto any of the claim of the present invention with respect to such wordsof approximation as contemplated in the foregoing. That is, under suchcircumstances, relying on the written description and prosecutionhistory to reject the ordinary and customary meanings of the wordsthemselves is impermissible. See, for example. Liquid Dynamics Corp. v.Vaughan Co., 355 F.3d 1361, 69 USPQ2d 1595, 1600-01 (Fed. Cir. 2004).The plain language of phrase 2 requires a “substantial helical flow.”The term “substantial” is a meaningful modifier implying “approximate,”rather than “perfect.” In Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE, Inc., 339 F.3d1352, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2003), the district court imposed a precisenumeric constraint on the term “substantially uniform thickness.” Wenoted that the proper interpretation of this term was “of largely orapproximately uniform thickness” unless something in the prosecutionhistory imposed the “clear and unmistakable disclaimer” needed fornarrowing beyond this simple-language interpretation. Id. In Anchor WallSystems v. Rockwood Retaining Walls, Inc., 340 F.3d 1298, 1311 (Fed.Cir. 2003)” Id. at 1311. Similarly, the plain language of claim 1requires neither a perfectly helical flow nor a flow that returnsprecisely to the center after one rotation (a limitation that arisesonly as a logical consequence of requiring a perfectly helical flow).

The reader should appreciate that case law generally recognizes a dualordinary’ meaning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in theforegoing, as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude;e g., see Deering Precision Instalments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distrib. Sys.,Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 68 USPQ2d 1716, 1721 (Fed. Cir. 2003), cert,denied, 124 S. Ct. 1426 (2004) where the court was asked to construe themeaning of the term “substantially” in a patent claim. Also see Epcon,279 F.3d at 1031 (“The phrase ‘substantially constant’ denotes languageof approximation, while the phrase ‘substantially below’ signifieslanguage of magnitude, i.e., not insubstantial”). Also, see, e g., EpconGas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022 (Fed. Cir.2002) (construing the terms “substantially constant” and “substantiallybelow”); Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. v. Hoffinger Indus., Inc., 206 F.3d 1408(Fed. Cir. 2000) (construing the term “substantially inward”); YorkProds., Inc. v. Cent. Tractor Farm & Family Ctr., 99 F.3d 1568 (Fed.Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially the entire heightthereof); Tex. Instruments Inc. v. Cypress Semiconductor Corp., 90 F.3d1558 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially in the commonplane”). In conducting their analysis, the court instructed to beginwith the ordinary meaning of the claim terms to one of ordinary skill inthe art. Prima Tek, 318 F.3d at 1148. Reference to dictionaries and ourcases indicates that the term “substantially” has numerous ordinarymeanings. As the district court stated, “substantially” can mean“significantly” or “considerably.” The term “substantially” can alsomean “largely” or “essentially.” Webster's New 20th Century Dictionary1817 (1983).

Words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, may also beused in phrases establishing approximate ranges or limits, where the endpoints are inclusive and approximate, not perfect; e.g., see AK SteelCorp. v. Sollac, 344 F.3d 1234, 68 USPQ2d 1280, 1285 (Fed. Cir. 2003)where it where the court said [W]e conclude that the ordinary meaning ofthe phrase “up to about 10%” includes the “about 10%” endpoint. Aspointed out by AK Steel, when an object of the preposition “up to” isnonnumeric, the most natural meaning is to exclude the object (e g.,painting the wall up to the door). On the other hand, as pointed out bySollac, when the object is a numerical limit, the normal meaning is toinclude that upper numerical limit (e.g., counting up to ten, seatingcapacity for up to seven passengers). Because we have here a numericallimit—“about 10%”—the ordinary meaning is that that endpoint isincluded.

In the present specification and claims, a goal of employment of suchwords of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, is to avoid astrict numerical boundary to the modified specified parameter, assanctioned by Pall Corp. v. Micron Separations, Inc., 66 F.3d 1211,1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995) where it states “It is wellestablished that when the term “substantially” serves reasonably todescribe the subject matter so that its scope would be understood bypersons in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimedsubject matter from the prior art, it is not indefinite.” Likewise seeVerve LLC v. Crane Cams Inc., 311 F.3d 1116, 65 USPQ2d 1051, 1054 (Fed.Cir. 2002). Expressions such as “substantially” are used in patentdocuments when warranted by the nature of the invention, in order toaccommodate the minor variations that may be appropriate to secure theinvention. Such usage may well satisfy the charge to “particularly pointout and distinctly claim” the invention, 35 U.S.C. § 112, and indeed maybe necessary in order to provide the inventor with the benefit of hisinvention. In Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22,6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) the court explained that usagessuch as “substantially equal” and “closely approximate” may serve todescribe the invention with precision appropriate to the technology andwithout intruding on the prior art. The court again explained in EcolabInc. v. Envirochem, Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 1367, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179(Fed. Cir. 2001) that “like the term ‘about,’ the term ‘substantially’is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to ‘avoid a strictnumerical boundary to the specified parameter, see Ecolab Inc. v.Envirochem Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001)where the court found that the use of the term “substantially” to modifythe term “uniform” does not render this phrase so unclear such thatthere is no means by which to ascertain the claim scope.

Similarly, other courts have noted that like the term “about,” the term“substantially” is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to“avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter.”; e.g.,see Pall Corp. v. Micron Seps., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229(Fed. Cir. 1995); see, e.g., Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) (noting thatterms such as “approach each other,” “close to,” “substantially equal,”and “closely approximate” are ubiquitously used in patent claims andthat such usages, when serving reasonably to describe the claimedsubject matter to those of skill in the field of the invention, and todistinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, have beenaccepted in patent examination and upheld by the courts). In this case,“substantially” avoids the strict 100% nonuniformity boundary.

Indeed, the foregoing sanctioning of such words of approximation, ascontemplated in the foregoing, has been established as early as 1939,see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off Bd. App. 1941) where,for example, the court said “the claims specify that the film is“substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believedthat the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. Weare of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded assufficiently accurate.” Similarly, In re Hutchison, 104 F.2d 829, 42USPQ 90, 93 (C.C.P.A. 1939) the court said, “It is realized that“substantial distance” is a relative and somewhat indefinite term, orphrase, but terms and phrases of this character are not uncommon inpatents in cases where, according to the art involved, the meaning canbe determined with reasonable clearness.”

Hence, for at least the forgoing reason. Applicants submit that it isimproper for any examiner to hold as indefinite any claims of thepresent patent that employ any words of approximation.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods,techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods,techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the presentinvention. Structures described herein are to be understood also torefer to functional equivalents of such structures. The presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to embodimentsthereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modificationswill be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations andmodifications may involve equivalent and other features which arealready known in the art, and which may be used instead of or inaddition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particularcombinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of thedisclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature orany novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly orimplicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates tothe same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or notit mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does thepresent invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments mayalso be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely,various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of asingle embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitablesubcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may beformulated to such features and/or combinations of such features duringthe prosecution of the present Application or of any further Applicationderived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,”“various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “embodiments of theinvention,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the inventionso described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but not every possible embodiment of the inventionnecessarily includes the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,”or “in an exemplary embodiment,” “an embodiment,” do not necessarilyrefer to the same embodiment, although they may. Moreover, any use ofphrases like “embodiments” in connection with “the invention” are nevermeant to characterize that all embodiments of the invention must includethe particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and should insteadbe understood to mean “at least some embodiments of the invention”includes the stated particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

References to “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, may mean ahuman or non-human user thereof. Moreover, “user”, or any similar term,as used herein, unless expressly stipulated otherwise, is contemplatedto mean users at any stage of the usage process, to include, withoutlimitation, direct user(s), intermediate user(s), indirect user(s), andend user(s). The meaning of “user”, or any similar term, as used herein,should not be otherwise inferred or induced by any pattern(s) ofdescription, embodiments, examples, or referenced prior-art that may (ormay not) be provided in the present patent.

References to “end user”, or any similar term, as used herein, isgenerally intended to mean late stage user(s) as opposed to early stageuser(s). Hence, it is contemplated that there may be a multiplicity ofdifferent types of “end user” near the end stage of the usage process.Where applicable, especially with respect to distribution channels ofembodiments of the invention comprising consumed retailproducts/services thereof (as opposed to sellers/vendors or OriginalEquipment Manufacturers), examples of an “end user” may include, withoutlimitation, a “consumer”, “buyer”, “customer”, “purchaser”, “shopper”,“enjoyer”, “viewer”, or individual person or non-human thing benefitingin any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, or interaction, withsome aspect of the present invention.

In some situations, some embodiments of the present invention mayprovide beneficial usage to more than one stage or type of usage in theforegoing usage process. In such cases where multiple embodimentstargeting various stages of the usage process are described, referencesto “end user”, or any similar term, as used therein, are generallyintended to not include the user that is the furthest removed, in theforegoing usage process, from the final user therein of an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Where applicable, especially with respect to retail distributionchannels of embodiments of the invention, intermediate user(s) mayinclude, without limitation, any individual person or non-human thingbenefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, orinteraction with, some aspect of the present invention with respect toselling, vending, Original Equipment Manufacturing, marketing,merchandising, distributing, service providing, and the like thereof

References to “person”, “individual”, “human”, “a party”, “animal”,“creature”, or any similar term, as used herein, even if the context orparticular embodiment implies living user, maker, or participant, itshould be understood that such characterizations are sole by way ofexample, and not limitation, in that it is contemplated that any suchusage, making, or participation by a living entity in connection withmaking, using, and/or participating, in any way, with embodiments of thepresent invention may be substituted by such similar performed by asuitably configured nonliving entity, to include, without limitation,automated machines, robots, humanoids, computational systems,information processing systems, artificially intelligent systems, andthe like. It is further contemplated that those skilled in the art willreadily recognize the practical situations where such living makers,users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention maybe in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, users,and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Likewise,when those skilled in the art identify such practical situations wheresuch living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of thepresent invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with suchnon-living makers, it will be readily apparent in light of the teachingsof the present invention how to adapt the described embodiments to besuitable for such non-living makers, users, and/or participants withembodiments of the present invention. Thus, the invention is thus toalso cover all such modifications, equivalents, and alternatives fallingwithin the spirit and scope of such adaptations and modifications, atleast in part, for such non-living entities.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken aslimiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of theitems are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/orparameter names are for example only and not meant to imply anylimitations on the invention. The invention may thus be implemented withdifferent nomenclature/terminology utilized to describe themechanisms/units/structures/components/devices/parameters herein,without limitation. Each term utilized herein is to be given itsbroadest interpretation given the context in which that term isutilized.

“Terminology.” The following paragraphs provide definitions and/orcontext for terms found in this disclosure (including the appendedclaims):

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims,this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider aclaim that recites: “A memory controller comprising a system cache . . .”. Such a claim does not foreclose the memory controller from includingadditional components (e.g., a memory channel unit, a switch).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may bedescribed or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In suchcontexts, “configured to” or “operable for” is used to connote structureby indicating that the mechanisms/units/circuits/components includestructure (e.g., circuitry and/or mechanisms) that performs the task ortasks during operation. As such, the mechanisms/unit/circuit/componentcan be said to be configured to (or be operable) for perform(ing) thetask even when the specified mechanisms/unit/circuit/component is notcurrently operational (e.g., is not on). Themechanisms/units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” or“operable for” language include hardware—for example, mechanisms,structures, electronics, circuits, memory storing program instructionsexecutable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that amechanism/unit/circuit/component is “configured to” or “operable for”perform(ing) one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35U.S.C. .sctn. 112, sixth paragraph, for thatmechanism/unit/circuit/component. “Configured to” may also includeadapting a manufacturing process to fabricate devices or components thatare adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or morefactors that affect a determination. This term does not forecloseadditional factors that may affect a determination. That is, adetermination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least inpart, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.”While B may be a factor that affects the determination of A, such aphrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being basedon C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing conditions,concentrations, dimensions, and so forth used in the specification andclaims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, thenumerical parameters set forth in the following specification andattached claims are approximations that may vary depending at least upona specific analytical technique.

The term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by” is inclusive or open-ended and doesnot exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising”is a term of art used in claim language which means that the named claimelements are essential, but other claim elements may be added and stillform a construct within the scope of the claim.

As used herein, the phase “consisting of excludes any element, step, oringredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase “consists of (orvariations thereof) appears in a clause of the body of a claim, ratherthan immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element setforth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim asa whole. As used herein, the phase “consisting essentially of limits thescope of a claim to the specified elements or method steps, plus thosethat do not materially affect the basis and novel characteristic(s) ofthe claimed subject matter. Moreover, for any claim of the presentinvention which claims an embodiment “consisting essentially of acertain set of elements of any herein described embodiment it shall beunderstood as obvious by those skilled in the art that the presentinvention also covers all possible varying scope variants of anydescribed embodiment(s) that are each exclusively (i.e., “consistingessentially of”) functional subsets or functional combination thereofsuch that each of these plurality of exclusive varying scope variantseach consists essentially of any functional subset(s) and/or functionalcombination(s) of any set of elements of any described embodiment(s) tothe exclusion of any others not set forth therein. That is, it iscontemplated that it will be obvious to those skilled how to create amultiplicity of alternate embodiments of the present invention thatsimply consisting essentially of a certain functional combination ofelements of any described embodiment(s) to the exclusion of any othersnot set forth therein, and the invention thus covers all such exclusiveembodiments as if they were each described herein.

With respect to the terms “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “consistingessentially of,” where one of these three terms is used herein, thepresently disclosed and claimed subject matter may include the use ofeither of the other two terms. Thus, in some embodiments not otherwiseexplicitly recited, any instance of “comprising” may be replaced by“consisting of” or, alternatively, by “consisting essentially of”, andthus, for the purposes of claim support and construction for “consistingof” format claims, such replacements operate to create yet otheralternative embodiments “consisting essentially of” only the elementsrecited in the original “comprising” embodiment to the exclusion of allother elements.

Devices or system modules that are in at least general communicationwith each other need not be in continuous communication with each other,unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or systemmodules that are in at least general communication with each other maycommunicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communicationwith each other does not imply that all such components are required. Onthe contrary a variety of optional components are described toillustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the presentinvention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerationsand compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimalmanufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and inparticular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercialimplementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of thepresent invention may configured according to the needs of theparticular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s),result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachingsrelated to any described embodiment of the present invention may besuitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improvedand/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skillsand known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation thataddresses the needs of the particular application.

In the following description and claims, the terms “coupled” and“connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should beunderstood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other.Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicatethat two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contactwith each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are indirect physical or electrical contact. However, “coupled” may also meanthat two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, butyet still cooperate or interact with each other.

A “computer” may refer to one or more apparatus and/or one or moresystems that are capable of accepting a structured input, processing thestructured input according to prescribed rules, and producing results ofthe processing as output. Examples of a computer may include: acomputer; a stationary and/or portable computer; a computer having asingle processor, multiple processors, or multi-core processors, whichmay operate in parallel and/or not in parallel; a general purposecomputer; a supercomputer; a mainframe; a super mini-computer; amini-computer; a workstation; a micro-computer; a server; a client; aninteractive television; a web appliance; a telecommunications devicewith internet access; a hybrid combination of a computer and aninteractive television; a portable computer; a tablet personal computer(PC); a personal digital assistant (PDA); a portable telephone;application-specific hardware to emulate a computer and/or software,such as, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), afield-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), an application specific instruction-set processor(ASIP), a chip, chips, a system on a chip, or a chip set; a dataacquisition device; an optical computer; a quantum computer; abiological computer; and generally, an apparatus that may accept data,process data according to one or more stored software programs, generateresults, and typically include input, output, storage, arithmetic,logic, and control units.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that where appropriate, someembodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in network computingenvironments with many types of computer system configurations,including personal computers, handheld devices, multi-processor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs,minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Where appropriate,embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices thatare linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by acombination thereof) through a communications network. In a distributedcomputing environment, program modules may be located in both local andremote memory storage devices.

“Software” may refer to prescribed rules to operate a computer. Examplesof software may include: code segments in one or more computer-readablelanguages; graphical and or/textual instructions; applets; pre-compiledcode; interpreted code; compiled code; and computer programs.

The example embodiments described herein can be implemented in anoperating environment comprising computer-executable instructions (e.g.,software) installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination ofsoftware and hardware. The computer-executable instructions can bewritten in a computer programming language or can be embodied infirmware logic. If written in a programming language conforming to arecognized standard, such instructions can be executed on a variety ofhardware platforms and for interfaces to a variety of operating systems.Although not limited thereto, computer software program code forcarrying out operations for aspects of the present invention can bewritten in any combination of one or more suitable programminglanguages, including an object oriented programming languages and/orconventional procedural programming languages, and/or programminglanguages such as, for example. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML),Dynamic HTML, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Extensible StylesheetLanguage (XSL), Document Style Semantics and Specification Language(DSSSL), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Synchronized MultimediaIntegration Language (SMIL), Wireless Markup Language (WML), Java™,Jini™, C, C++, Smalltalk, Perl, UNIX Shell, Visual Basic or Visual BasicScript, Virtual Reality Markup Language (VRML), ColdFusion™ or othercompilers, assemblers, interpreters or other computer languages orplatforms.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

A network is a collection of links and nodes (e.g., multiple computersand/or other devices connected together) arranged so that informationmay be passed from one part of the network to another over multiplelinks and through various nodes. Examples of networks include theInternet, the public switched telephone network, the global Telexnetwork, computer networks (e.g., an intranet, an extranet, a local-areanetwork, or a wide-area network), wired networks, and wireless networks.

The Internet is a worldwide network of computers and computer networksarranged to allow the easy and robust exchange of information betweencomputer users. Hundreds of millions of people around the world haveaccess to computers connected to the Internet via Internet ServiceProviders (ISPs). Content providers (e.g., website owners or operators)place multimedia information (e.g., text, graphics, audio, video,animation, and other forms of data) at specific locations on theInternet referred to as webpages. Websites comprise a collection ofconnected, or otherwise related, webpages. The combination of all thewebsites and their corresponding webpages on the Internet is generallyknown as the World Wide Web (WWW) or simply the Web.

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or blockdiagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, whichcomprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in somealternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occurout of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware andcomputer instructions.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

Further, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or the likemay be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods andalgorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In otherwords, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does notnecessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in thatorder. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in anyorder practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithmsdescribed herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmedgeneral purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a processor(e.g., a microprocessor) will receive instructions from a memory or likedevice, and execute those instructions, thereby performing a processdefined by those instructions. Further, programs that implement suchmethods and algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a variety ofknown media.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readilyapparent that more than one device/article (whether or not theycooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly,where more than one device or article is described herein (whether ornot they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a singledevice/article may be used in place of the more than one device orarticle.

The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternativelyembodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly describedas having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of thepresent invention need not include the device itself.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) which may beread by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may takemany forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatilemedia, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example,optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile mediainclude dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutesthe main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wireand fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupledto the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acousticwaves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as thosegenerated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) datacommunications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, forexample, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, anyother magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punchcards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, aRAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, removable media, flash memory, a“memory stick”, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave asdescribed hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer canread.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingsequences of instructions to a processor. For example, sequences ofinstruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may becarried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may beformatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such asBluetooth, TDMA, CDMA, 3G.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any schematic illustrationsand accompanying descriptions of any sample databases presented hereinare exemplary arrangements for stored representations of information.Any number of other arrangements may be employed besides those suggestedby the tables shown. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databasesrepresent exemplary information only; those skilled in the art willunderstand that the number and content of the entries can be differentfrom those illustrated herein. Further, despite any depiction of thedatabases as tables, an object-based model could be used to store andmanipulate the data types of the present invention and likewise, objectmethods or behaviors can be used to implement the processes of thepresent invention.

A “computer system” may refer to a system having one or more computers,where each computer may include a computer-readable medium embodyingsoftware to operate the computer or one or more of its components.Examples of a computer system may include: a distributed computer systemfor processing information via computer systems linked by a network; twoor more computer systems connected together via a network fortransmitting and/or receiving information between the computer systems;a computer system including two or more processors within a singlecomputer; and one or more apparatuses and/or one or more systems thatmay accept data, may process data in accordance with one or more storedsoftware programs, may generate results, and typically may includeinput, output, storage, arithmetic, logic, and control units.

A “network” may refer to a number of computers and associated devicesthat may be connected by communication facilities. A network may involvepermanent connections such as cables or temporary connections such asthose made through telephone or other communication links. A network mayfurther include hard-wired connections (e.g., coaxial cable, twistedpair, optical fiber, waveguides, etc.) and/or wireless connections(e.g., radio frequency waveforms, free-space optical waveforms, acousticwaveforms, etc.). Examples of a network may include: an internet, suchas the Internet; an intranet; a local area network (LAN); a wide areanetwork (WAN); and a combination of networks, such as an internet and anintranet.

As used herein, the “client-side” application should be broadlyconstrued to refer to an application, a page associated with thatapplication, or some other resource or function invoked by a client-siderequest to the application. A “browser” as used herein is not intendedto refer to any specific browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Safari, FireFox, or the like), but should be broadly construed to refer to anyclient-side rendering engine that can access and displayInternet-accessible resources. A “rich” client typically refers to anon-HTTP based client-side application, such as an SSH or CFIS client.Further, while typically the client-server interactions occur usingHTTP, this is not a limitation either. The client server interaction maybe formatted to conform to the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) andtravel over HTTP (over the public Internet), FTP, or any other reliabletransport mechanism (such as IBM® MQSeries® technologies and CORBA, fortransport over an enterprise intranet) may be used. Any application orfunctionality described herein may be implemented as native code, byproviding hooks into another application, by facilitating use of themechanism as a plug-in, by linking to the mechanism, and the like.

Exemplary networks may operate with any of a number of protocols, suchas Internet protocol (IP), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and/orsynchronous optical network (SONET), user datagram protocol (UDP), IEEE802.x, etc.

Embodiments of the present invention may include apparatuses forperforming the operations disclosed herein. An apparatus may bespecially constructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise ageneral-purpose device selectively activated or reconfigured by aprogram stored in the device.

Embodiments of the invention may also be implemented in one or acombination of hardware, firmware, and software. They may be implementedas instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, which may be readand executed by a computing platform to perform the operations describedherein.

More specifically, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art,aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method orcomputer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present inventionmay take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirelysoftware embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code,etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that mayall generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or“system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take theform of a computer program product embodied in one or more computerreadable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodiedthereon.

In the following description and claims, the terms “computer programmedium” and “computer readable medium” may be used to generally refer tomedia such as, but not limited to, removable storage drives, a hard diskinstalled in hard disk drive, and the like. These computer programproducts may provide software to a computer system. Embodiments of theinvention may be directed to such computer program products.

An algorithm is here, and generally, considered to be a self-consistentsequence of acts or operations leading to a desired result. Theseinclude physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, thoughnot necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical ormagnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times,principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals asbits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers or the like.It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, and as may be apparent from thefollowing description and claims, it should be appreciated thatthroughout the specification descriptions utilizing terms such as“processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” or the like,refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system,or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transformdata represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within thecomputing system's registers and/or memories into other data similarlyrepresented as physical quantities within the computing system'smemories, registers or other such information storage, transmission ordisplay devices.

Additionally, the phrase “configured to” or “operable for” can includegeneric structure (e.g., generic circuitry) that is manipulated bysoftware and/or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processorexecuting software) to operate in a manner that is capable of performingthe task(s) at issue. “Configured to” may also include adapting amanufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) tofabricate devices (e.g., integrated circuits) that are adapted toimplement or perform one or more tasks.

In a similar manner, the term “processor” may refer to any device orportion of a device that processes electronic data from registers and/ormemory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data thatmay be stored in registers and/or memory. A “computing platform” maycomprise one or more processors.

Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure may also includetangible and/or non-transitory computer-readable storage media forcarrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structuresstored thereon. Such non-transitory computer-readable storage media canbe any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer, including the functional design of any specialpurpose processor as discussed above. By way of example, and notlimitation, such non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM,ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storageor other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be usedto carry or store desired program code means in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions, data structures, or processor chipdesign. When information is transferred or provided over a network oranother communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, orcombination thereof) to a computer, the computer properly views theconnection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection isproperly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the aboveshould also be included within the scope of the computer-readable media.

While a non-transitory computer readable medium includes, but is notlimited to, a hard drive, compact disc, flash memory, volatile memory,random access memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, semiconductorbased memory, phase change memory, optical memory, periodicallyrefreshed memory, and the like; the non-transitory computer readablemedium, however, does not include a pure transitory signal.

Many embodiments, and variations thereof, provide a system that utilizessoftware technology, the Internet and automated machines and technologyto gather and distribute grocery items to customers. Many embodiments,and variations thereof, provide a Smart Shelf (Intelligent Shelf) TheSmart Shelf disperses numerous items at once. It is initiated by andmoves the items onto a conveyor belt simultaneously. Many embodiments,and variations thereof, provide a system that utilizes a layout ofmultiple conveyor belts, carousel and the drive-through lanes that allowcontinuous traffic. Many embodiments, and variations thereof, provide asystem that utilizes a divider and/or mechanical pieces that push theitems onto the conveyor belt and also push the items across the groceryscanner. The scanner may send a signal to the software referencing thelocation of inventory in the store. Many embodiments, and variationsthereof, provide a system that utilizes a camera that identifies itemsfrom far distances and the alert that triggers the item to be placedinto a specific lane. Many embodiments, and variations thereof, providea system that utilizes walk in refrigerated areas that allow quickaccess to shopping orders that are waiting for the customer to retrieve.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary aerial view and layout of a store inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the presentembodiment, six color coded drive-through lanes 105 are illustrated. Inother embodiments, the number of lanes and coding may vary. In someembodiments, one or more lanes 105 may be designated as “express” lanes.In a non-limiting example, “express” lanes may be used by customers, butnot limited to, purchasing a predetermined maximum of items, have placedtheir order online, have paid for their order upon arrival through acheck-in device 960, FIG. 9 , etc. In some embodiments, the check indevice may be a computer screen that allows a user to check in, and/orallows them to select items from an inventory. In nonlimiting examples,the check in software may ask a user how many items they plan topurchase; if it is over X number of items, the check in unit asks theuser to drive to parking lot/waiting area and use their computer device(phone, tablet) and purchase items there. There may be 2-3 large screensnear the return area that allow customers to walk up and select items onthe large screen. Instructions may be located in app and website suchas, but not limited to, instructional video letting users know to selectitems before visiting or go to the parking area to virtually selectitems for purchase. In many embodiments, “express” lanes may be intendedfor customers requiring a minimum amount of time to receive theirpurchase.

In the present embodiment, layout 100 may include a parking lot and orwaiting area 120, a returns area 125, a loading area 130, a warehouse135, an assembly line 140, check-ins 160, work spaces and a storage area145, drive through windows 153, and doors 167. In the parking lot and orwaiting area 120, customers may park and wait for their order to beready for pickup. In some embodiments, the customers select items intheir app or on the website. The moment they select Pay or Pick Up onthe app/site, then the software may tell them how many minutes it willtake to deliver items. In some embodiments, the software may calculatethe total delivery time (from shelf to drive through lane) bycalculating the number of items selected by the speed of the conveyorbelt and by the delivery time of grocery items to drive through lane. Ifthe customer selects Pick Up or Hold Groceries, then the customer hashis/her order on hold and the software may not remove items from theSmart Shelf. It may simply check to see if items are available in theinventory. If customer selects Pay, the customer's credit card may becharged and the customer may pick up the items the same day at any time.In a nonlimiting example, if the software says you may pick up yourorder in 5 minutes, if the customer is still at work, the customer maypick up items any time after work before close of business that day. Theitems may remain in the refrigerated unit until close of day. This mayeliminate the need to set appointments. If the customer does not pick upitems the same day, the items may be deshopped at the end of the eveningand the customer may be charged with an “inconvenience charge.” Customermay provide a credit card before the software saves a grocery item list.The customer may choose to enter in personal identifiable informationsuch as, but not limited to, a phone number or Membership ID at thecheck in station in the lane and choose to click Pay once he/she arrivesin order to avoid the inconvenience fee. In some embodiments, customersmay park in area 120 and may enter returns area 125 to return or replacean item. In some embodiments, returns area 125 may include an area largeenough to hold sensitive items such as, but not limited to, producesince some customers may insist on selecting their own produce items. Insome alternate embodiments, customers may enter returns area 125 topurchase an item that they may have forgotten to put on their order.Some embodiments may include a glass window 165 where operations in thework area may be viewed and workers may view traffic flow of cars 115.

In typical operations of layout 100, customers may enter off of a mainstreet 170. After entering, customers may choose or be directed to oneof the lanes 105. In a non-limiting example, if the customer clicks pay,the software may let the customer know which colored lane to enter intooff of the main or secondary street. In some embodiments, lanes 105 mayinclude traffic regulator red/green lights 150 and color coded signage.After completing their purchase near drive-through window lane 150 and153, the customers may receive their purchase and exit to a street 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary interior layout of a store, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the presentembodiment, a layout 200 may include a loading area 230, offices 232,small aisles 234, a warehouse area 235, an assembly line 240, workspaces and a storage area 245, a storage area 249, drive through windows253, and doors 267. In the present embodiment, warehouse area 235 mayinclude aisles, walkways, produce/bakery or dry foods area 237,refrigerators or meats and cold items area 239, and mechanical shelvesand conveyor belts 236 with smart mechanical shelves. In the presentembodiment, assembly line 240 may include a conveyer belt 242 andmonitors 244. In the present embodiment, work spaces and a storage area245 may include a plurality of workstations 246, an overflow station248, and walk-in refrigeration units and shopping cart area 249.Refrigeration units 249 may be large enough to allow employees to walkin and grab shopping carts with orders waiting to be distributed tocustomers.

In operations of the present embodiment, vendors may deliver goodsthrough doors in loading area 230. Small aisles 234 may be used foroverage or overstocked items. In some embodiments, office locations 232may include restrooms. In some embodiments, one office may be utilizedas a break room.

In the present embodiment, conveyer belt 242 may be configured to rotatein a circular motion. In some embodiments, conveyer belt 242 may berectangular or oval in shape. In the present embodiment, food items maybe dropped or transferred from conveyor belts 236 to conveyerbelt/carousel 242. In the present embodiment, monitors 244 may bepositioned above conveyer belt 242 and visible by workstations 246. Inthe present embodiment, overflow station 248 may help fulfill ordersthat may not be fulfilled by a workstation due to tight timelines.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the number of workstations 246 andrefrigeration units 249 may correspond to the number of lanes 105. Oneskilled in the art may readily know that the number and placement ofunits and areas may vary in other embodiments and are contemplated inthe present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary layout of a warehouse area, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the presentembodiment, a layout 300 may include a plurality of conveyer belts 336,a plurality of smart mechanical shelves 338, and a plurality of walkareas 375. In the present embodiment, walk areas 375 may include seatingareas for employees.

Smart mechanical shelves may distribute food items. In some embodiments,dividers may divide the shelves. In some embodiments, each shelf maycontain several “stacks” or rows, which may allow employees to stackmultiple food products. In some embodiments, each shelf may contain fooditems with their own ID or SKU. In many embodiments, the walk area 375in between the aisles may be large enough for employees to roll boxes ofproducts into that area and stack food items on each shelf. In someembodiments, the employee may use an automated tool to place stickersonto the food item such as, but not limited to, on the front, backsides, bottom or in several areas of the item. In some alternateembodiments, the stickers may have a scan able code that may correspondto items in an inventory database.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary layout of smart mechanical shelves, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the presentembodiment, a layout 400 may include a plurality of shelves 438supporting a plurality of food items 485, and a small conveyor belt 436or a mechanical divider 490 that may move or push a food item onto amain conveyor belt 442. In the present embodiment, shelves 438 may eachinclude a mechanical device 477 to move a food item 485 from the shelfto the belt 436. In the present embodiment, a mechanical device 477 maybe controlled by a computing system. In a non-limiting example, shelves438 may resemble a vending machine. In the present embodiment, shelves438 may be stacked to rise vertically from belt 436. In some alternateembodiments, device 477 may include sensors to detect the presence offood item 485. In some other alternate embodiments, the sensors mayidentify food item 485 before moving to belt 436. In some otheralternate embodiments, shelves 438 may include chutes or ramps to guidefood items to belt 436. In some other alternate embodiments, the chutesor ramps may include devices to control the rate of movement of the fooditems. In some other alternate embodiments, shelves 438 may include amanually operated switch to move a food item from the shelf. In anon-limiting example, a customer A in the purple line has orderedfifteen items and one of the items comes from Shelf C25, which containsa desired food item. The application or software sends a signal to ShelfC25 to deliver the item. Shelf C25 may then push one item, based on, butnot limited to, weight, length or imagery signals, onto the conveyorbelt 436. The conveyor belt 436 may then transfer the item onto the mainconveyor belt 442 in the assembly line area 240. Shelf C25 now has oneless item in its row or shelf. The computing system may subtract oneitem from its inventory list for that particular ID or SKU. In someembodiments, a mechanical knob or button may be located near each shelf.This knob or button may allow an employee to manually move the dividerto another position. It may also allow the employee to manually changethe inventory count and send the data to the computing system.

In the present embodiment, an employee may stack items according toshelf IDs and label each item with a scan able SKU or ID. In someembodiments, food items contained in glass jars or other breakablematerials may be stacked onto lower shelves. In some alternateembodiments, belt 436 may include a padding device to cushion the impactof the food item.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary layout of an assembly line, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the presentembodiment, a layout 500 may include a main conveyer belt 542, andscanners 575. Once a food item 585 hits the main conveyor belt 542,scanner 575 located at the top and/or bottom of belt 542 may scan theitem. In some embodiments, an optical recognition technology or anytechnology that is able to capture details on a product may be employed,such as, but not limited to, the sticker with the ID or SKU. In somealternate embodiments, optical recognition technology along withArtificial Intelligence (AI) may identify the items. The main conveyorbelt 542 may distribute items in a rotating fashion until the items areselected or picked up by an employee. Some embodiments may includemultiple main conveyor belts 542. In a non-limiting example, anadditional conveyor belt may be used for express order for few items perorder.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary layout of a workstation, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment,a layout 600 may include a main conveyor belt 642, a monitor 644,scanners 675, a bagging area 678, a printer 679, carts 687, and aninput/output (10) device 681. In some embodiments, bagging area 678 mayinclude a computerized sacker 677. Computerized sacker 677 is configuredto automate the mechanical sackers by employing conventionalelectromechanical systems for the physical manipulation (e.g., motors,solenoids, pushers, grabbers, conveyors, active guide rails, etc.),conventional sensors (e.g., bar code reader, camera for object shapedetection, optical, infrared, proximity, laser, weight, temperature,etc.), and a computer controller system which acquires the basiccharacteristics of the product to be sacked from the various sensorydata, identifies a next product(s) to be sacked, determines its keycharacteristics with respect to a certain sacking policy, calculates asuitable sacking plan, and executes the plan by actuating theelectromechanical system components as needed towards achieving saidsacking policy. By way of example, and not limitation, a sacking policymay be to sack cold items together and separately sack heavy cans at thebottom of sacks, so a suitable system Computerized sacker 677 to achievethis sort of sacking policy may be configured with a temperature sensor,weight sensor, bar code reader, conveyor belt, and active guide rails,wherein the items may be channeled into a single file line, the computercontroller system queries the sensors to scan the next item at the frontof the line, which enable the computer controller system to “know” theitems key characteristics (e.g., bar-code enables getting weight,materials, and shape info from a products database; temperatures sensorindicates if item is much colder than room temperature or not, andweight sensor helps when bar-code may not be readable) to create asacking action plan for this item. For example, without limitation, thesacking action plan may be as follows: if the items is determined to bea heavy can then the computer controller system may actuate the activeguide rail to divert the item, on a conveyor system, to a sacking areafor heavy, non-perishable items, and, possible after accumulating enoughsuch items, the mechanical sacker is that area would place the collectedheavy item(s) into a sack. The sacking action plan for a cold item(s),or other distinct categories, may proceed similarly. Those skilled inthe art will readily recognize, in light of the teachings of the presentinvention, a wide and diverse variety of alternative means and methodsto automate the mechanical sackers to achieve Computerized sacker 677 bydesigning a suitable conventional electro-mechanical systems,conventional sensors, suitable computer controller system, a suitablesacking policy, a suitable sacking plan, and to suitably execute theaction plan by actuating the electro-mechanical system components asneeded towards achieving the given sacking policy, in accordance withthe needs of the particular application.

In the present embodiment, a cashier may use an IO device 681 to startan order process. IO device 681 may be a mobile computing device suchas, but not limited to, a tablet, laptop, smartphone, etc. IO device 681may be in communication with a computing system. The computing systemmay send a signal to the monitor 644.

Monitor 644 may be positioned approximately one foot before thecashier's/colored scanner or station. Once an item for the current orderis on the main conveyor belt 642, the scanner 675 that may be locatedunderneath monitor 644 may identify the item and monitor 644 may alertthe cashier. In a non-limiting example, the main conveyor belt scannerlogs the SKU for the food item for Customer A in the purple lane. Oncethe item rotates to the area where monitors are located, each scannerunderneath the monitor may scan the food item. If the food item has aSKU that is needed for Customer A's order, the monitor screen for thepurple station may show a picture of the food item on the monitor screenand send an audible alert. The IO device 681 at the station may showorder numbers and the amount of items in each order. The computingsystem may place each Order ID, from the pool of total orders, inascending order via time stamp. In a non-limiting example, the purplelane has five customers in line. The computing system sends the ordernumbers in ascending order to the purple station's tablet. Thecashier/computerized sacker may know there are five customers waiting.The cashier may monitor the computerized sacker and/or routinely viewthe tablet while selecting and scanning items to make sure they are notincorrectly grabbing items. The employee or cashier/computerized sackergrabs the item and scans it over the cashier scanner. The computingsystem may place a check mark or any other identifiable mark next to thescanned item in Customer A's shopping list, which may be visible on thecashier's IO device 681. The cashier's IO device 681 may now reveal acheck mark next to an item. The cashier may view IO device 681 at anytime to identify ail food items he/she needs to collect to complete theorder. The cashier and/or computerized sacker in the purple station mayplace Customer A's items into bags. Once an order is fulfilled, IOdevice 681 may send a distinct audible alert and may show a button thatsays Complete Order ID. The cashier may confirm that all items are inthe bags and click Complete Order ID. The cashier may be prompted toclick Start Order ID for the next order. If the cashier does not tostart the next order, the order ID may remain idle. The overflow stationmay choose to Start Order [ID] for the purple station's order or for anyother station for orders that remain idle for too long. If the overflowstation takes control of the next order, this order ID may disappearfrom the cashier's IO device 681 and reveal the order ID for the nextorder.

In some embodiments, the speed of the main conveyor belt may beadjustable and the manager or employee in the overflow station maycontrol the belt from that station. The overflow station may have onescanner but the IO device 681 may show all of the upcoming orders forall of the stations. Upcoming orders may be orders for customers whohave paid for their order and are in line or are on their way. In someembodiments, if the overflow station's IO device 681 shows numerous idleorders in multiple stations, the manager may choose to send theirhelpers or employees to the stations that are in need of help, ratherthan click Start Order ID. In a non-limiting example, if the monitorscreen in the green stations sends audible alerts but the cashier and/orcomputerized sacker is not able to grab the item off the conveyor belt,a helper may help by grabbing the items and placing them on the counterin the station, allowing the cashier time to grab the items and scanthem. If the cashier scans an item that is not in their order, thecashier scanner may send out a loud audible alert and the cashier mayplace that item back onto the conveyor belt. In some embodiments, theremay be two computerized sackers for each station, which may enable theitems to be retrieved quickly. One of the computerized sacker may becomprised of, but not limited to, metal materials and may include amagnetic strip or sticky material that allows it to pull itemsincorrectly grabbed and move items back onto the conveyor belt.

Once IO device 681 indicates an order is complete, the cashier orsoftware may print out or automatically print out, on printer 679 alarge sticker with an Order ID number on it. The cashier may place thebags into a cart and place the large sticker on the handlebars of thecart 687 or any other readily visible part of the cart. A deliveryperson or helper may take the cart and roll it into the storage area 249or to the drive through window area depending on instructions from IOdevice 681. The delivery person(s)assigned to a station may return cartsas necessary or another employee may return carts to all stations asneeded. Once the Complete Order ID button may be clicked, the computingsystem may send the message to the drive through window manager'smonitor screen and IO device 681 if the customer has checked in.Computing system may initiate the automated distribution process in thestore when a customer pays for an order, whether the customer pays inperson at the check-in machine or online (including mobile apps). If thecustomer has not arrived, the cart may be delivered to the storage area249.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary layout of a storage area, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment,a layout 700 may include a portion of workstations 745, a storage area749, refrigerated units 752, and door 767. Refrigerated units 752 maycontain completed orders in carts 787. In some embodiments, storage area749 may be, located in the front of the store and most visible from thestreet. In a non-limiting example, if Customer B pays for his orderbefore arriving at the grocery store, the delivery person may deliverthe cart 787 with the order ID into the refrigerated section for thepurple station. Once Customer B checks in at the designated area, theoverflow station may receive an alert, a delivery person may benotified. They may grab the cart from the refrigerator unit and deliverthe groceries to the customer. If Customer A is waiting at the front ofthe delivery lane, a delivery person may push the cart and deliver thegroceries immediately. It is anticipated that typically the entireprocess for the distribution of small to large orders may range betweenfive minutes and fifteen minutes. In some embodiments, customers maycheck in at device once they pull into a lane. The software may alertthe system to let employees know which lane the customer is in, andwhether the customer has pulled into the correct colored lane. Employeesmay need to go to a different colored refrigerated storage unit toretrieve items if the customer pulls into the incorrect lane. Thecustomer's Order Number may be associated with the Sticker ID andsearchable by the delivery person. The results may show the color of therefrigerated area the cart is located in.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary layout of a storage area, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment,a layout 800 may include a drive through window 853, a desk unit 854, amonitor 844 and refrigerators or meats and cold items area 839. Drivethrough window 853 may include an intercom system for communicating withcustomers at check-ins 160. Desk unit 854 may include typical deskequipment and IO devices 681. In the present embodiment, mechanicalshelves may not be located in the produce/bakery section or themeats/cold items and shopping cart section 839. Designated staff membersmay be responsible for placing delicate food items onto the mainconveyor belt 242. The employees in this specified area may watchmonitor 844 to determine how many items are needed. In a non-limitingexample, monitor 844 may show that two 2-lb bags of Granny Smith applesare needed, 3 bread rolls are needed, etc. The items may continue toappear on monitor 844 screen until the main conveyor belt's scanneridentifies the SKU and/or scan appearance of item. The SKU stickers maybe placed onto each food item before the store opens, as employees stackthe inventory for the day.

In the present embodiment, each drive through station may contain alarge desk 854 including computers, tablets, phones, and a large monitorscreen. In some embodiments, next to the main area is a “waiting area”or large rug for the delivery person to stand on. Typically, during adelivery process, a delivery person may stand in the waiting area andmake contact with a drive through window manager. This manager maycommunicate with the customers through an intercom at window 853. Eachlane may have an intercom and the manager controls the communication.The manager may speak to each lane separately.

In a non-limiting example, the manager may speak to Customer A in thepurple lane. She may ask for the Order ID number. The customer may readthe number or provide personal information such as, but not limited to,a phone number, and the manager marks the order number on her IO device681. The manager may look to the waiting area to ask one of the deliverypeople if they have the order number. The delivery person in the secondposition says yes. The manager clicks “Order ID Delivered” on her IOdevice 681 and may allow the delivery person to deliver the groceries tothe car in the first position. The delivery person may confirm the ordernumber with the customer and place groceries into Customer A's car. Thedelivery person may click Final Delivery of Order ID on their IO device681 enters through the back door in the warehouse area and walks to thefront of the store. The monitor 844 may continue to show completedorders in ascending order according to lane assignments. This may helpthe manager identify specific orders that should be delivered to thecars in the first position of each lane. If a Customer is in anincorrect lane, the drive through manager may identify the order numberand tell the delivery person which lane should receive the order.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary order process, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention, hi the present embodiment, aprocess 900 may include a customer's car 915, and a check-in unit 960.Check-in unit may include IO device 681 or large screen and means forreceiving payment. In some alternate embodiments, check-in unit 960 mayinclude means for disbursing cash back. In some embodiments, check-inunit 960 may include a traffic regulator red/green lights 950. In thepresent embodiment, a customer may utilize a mobile app, the website ormobile site to purchase groceries. The customer may choose to savedifferent lists of grocery items or select items each time they place anorder. The technology that interacts with the customers also interactswith the store's computing system. Once the customer completes theirlist, the software may ask for payment and instruct the customer to payif they plan to pick up the groceries that day. If the customer hits PayNow, the customer may be given an estimated time of deliver and may beassigned a lane color. In a non-limiting example, the software mayinstruct the customer to go to the Green lane. Their order may be readyin 9 minutes. If the customer chooses to pay when they pick up theorder, the customer may hit Save My List. The application creates anOrder ID number and associates it with the User ID. The User ID isassociated with the customer's information such as, but not limited to,payment information, phone number, email address and/or home address. Ifthe customer chooses to pay for their groceries at the store, thecustomer may enter any lane. In a non-limiting example, internally, thestore may designate the Purple and Blue lanes as express lanes. If so,the application may tell the customer when he/they save their list to goto the Blue lane. If the application does not designate a lane, thecustomer will pull into any lane and check in. The check in machine willask for the order number or customer information such as, but notlimited to, a phone number, etc. The customer may enter the informationand the machine may ask for a cash payment or instruct the customer toinsert a credit card or use a payment method saved in the system. Thecustomer may pay for the order and the machine may give an estimateddelivery time. In a non-limiting example. Customer C in the Yellow lanemay have an estimated time of 8 minutes. He knows that he will besitting in the lane for approximately 8 minutes. After payment isreceived, the light that is on red will turn to green and back to red.At the end of the night, the employees may be responsible for retrievingall cash from the machines and for loading the machine in the morning.In some embodiments, there may be a delivery charge for all orders or ayearly membership fee may be charged. In some embodiments, if thecustomer pays for the order using the check in machine, the customer maybe charged a higher fee. The application may communicate all fees and/ordifferences in fees before the customer makes a payment via the mobileapp, website or through the machine.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary grocery delivery process, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment,a process 1000 may include a customer's car 1015, an intercom 1092, acart 1087, a delivery person 1095, a drive through window 1053, and atraffic regulator red/green lights 1050. In a non-limiting exampleCustomer C may pull up to the first position of his lane. The managermay speak to him through the intercom 1092. He may confirm his ordernumber, either by looking at the printed receipt he received at thecheck in station or by using his mobile app or website. The manager mayconfirm his order number and his payment. Customer C may be approachedby delivery person 1095 in approximately 20 seconds and the person mayask if he would like his bags in the trunk or in the back seat. Thedelivery person delivers the groceries and hits the “Final Delivery”button on his IO device 681. He may now have a new order number and lanecolor on his IO device 681. He knows where to pick up his next cart.Customer C sees a green light and drives off. If the order was notready, the manager would tell Customer C that the order is not complete.If the order for the customer behind Customer C, in the second position,is ready, the manager may tell Customer C to park in the parking lot.The manager may write down a description of the car and attach theinformation to the order. Once the delivery person 1095 gets to thewaiting area, the manager may inform him that the customer is in theparking lot before hitting the Delivered button. If the order for thecustomer behind Customer C was not ready, the manager may allow thecustomer to sit in the first position. The application may update allEstimated Time Deliveries to any future orders and orders waiting to bedelivered if the customer checks their status on the app or website.

In many embodiments, the computing system may help managers determinehow much stock or inventory the store needs on the weekly basis. Thisinformation may be sent to vendors to help predict the number of itemsneeded. In many embodiments, the computing system may also calculate thelikelihood of a customer returning or how often a customer returns,helping to predict traffic on the weekly basis. In many embodiments, thecomputing system may graph how often the grocery items are bought at acertain price, which helps set pricing or MSRP for items in the store.In many embodiments, the store's inventory may be recorded in thecomputing system, and a backup may be taken or stored periodically suchas, but not limited to, every fifteen minutes.

In a non-limiting example. Customer D orders food online. The part ofthe computing system that services the customer may be called theInventory system. If an item may not be available due to previous paidorders, the computing system may place an out of stock label over theitem on the website or mobile app, not allowing the customer to purchasethe item. The computing system may offer alternatives based on thecategory of the food item. Once the order is complete and purchased, thecomputing system sends the order to a separate tracking system that maybe called the Distribution system.

In many embodiments, once the order is sent to the Distribution system,the computing system sends signals to corresponding shelf IDs. The shelfIDs may be controlled by an automated system, using a divider thatpushes the item onto the conveyor belt, using a conveyor belt. The beltor divider may move a certain distance in order to push the item ontothe belt. The Distribution system may not register the item asdistributed until the item is scanned in the cashier station. At thatpoint, the Distribution system may mark the item as Sold and send thedata to the Inventory system.

In many embodiments, if the cashier or computerized sacker does not pickup or move the item, the item may continue to rotate on the mainconveyor belt. The main scanner may continue to scan the item and sendthe item to the corresponding monitor screen. At that time, the overflowmanager may choose to pick up the item that has been rotating a longtime and place it in a deshop cart. The computerized sacker may alsopush the item to an area near the overflow station and items may dropinto a box/bag in the area. If the item is deshopped, or returned backto the shelf, an employee may enter the walkway and place the item onthe corresponding shelf and hit the “+1” button near the shelf. Theinventory count/total in the Inventory system may be different than theinventory count/total in the Distribution system. If the button ismanually pushed, the Distribution system may send a message to theInventory system and adds one more item to the inventory. TheDistribution system may subtract one item from its count. While anemployee stocks the aisle, they may enter the number of items beingstacked by scanning each item before placing it on a shelf. This may addthe correct number of additional items to the Inventory system. If thenumber of items in the Inventory system shows missing products that havenot been labeled sold, the Distribution system may indicate how manyitems are in its system and were not scanned or sold and ultimately notdelivered.

In many embodiments, once the cashier scans the items or thecomputerized sacker delivers item over scanner and the cashier clicksComplete, the list of inventory items is sent to the Sold system.Executives and managers may analyze this system's data in effort todetermine future pricing and stocking processes.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary computing system, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a system1100 may include a computing unit 1105 including one or more processorsto provide an inventory system 1110, a distribution system 1115, and asold system 1120. Computing unit 1105 may communicate bi-directionallywith IO device 1125, check-in units 1130, sensors 1135, smart shelves1140, Web site 1145, mobile app 1150, banking 1155, and backup storage1175. Computing unit 1105 may communicate directionally with trafficlights 1160, conveyer belts 1165, and monitors 1170.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of theforegoing steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced,reordered, removed and additional steps and/or system modules may beinserted depending upon the needs of the particular application, andthat the systems of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented usingany of a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and isnot limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware,firmware, microcode and the like. For any method steps described in thepresent application that can be carried out on a computing machine, atypical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed,serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention maybe embodied.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary client/server systemwhich may be used by an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment ofthe present invention.

A communication system 1200 includes a multiplicity of clients with asampling of clients denoted as a client 1202 and a client 1204, amultiplicity of local networks with a sampling of networks denoted as alocal network 1206 and a local network 1208, a global network 1210 and amultiplicity of servers with a sampling of servers denoted as a server1212 and a server 1214.

Client 1202 may communicate bi-directionally with local network 1206 viaa communication channel 1216. Client 1204 may communicatebi-directionally with local network 1208 via a communication channel1218. Local network 1206 may communicate bi-directionally with globalnetwork 1210 via a communication channel 1220. Local network 1208 maycommunicate bi-directionally with global network 1210 via acommunication channel 1222. Global network 1210 may communicatebidirectionally with server 1212 and server 1214 via a communicationchannel 1224. Server 1212 and server 1214 may communicatebi-directionally with each other via communication channel 1224.Furthermore, clients 1202, 1204, local networks 1206, 1208, globalnetwork 1210 and servers 1212, 1214 may each communicate bidirectionallywith each other.

In one embodiment, global network 1210 may operate as the Internet. Itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that communication system1200 may take many different forms. Non-limiting examples of forms forcommunication system 1200 include local area networks (LANs), wide areanetworks (WANs), wired telephone networks, wireless networks, or anyother network supporting data communication between respective entities.

Clients 1202 and 1204 may take many different forms. Non-limitingexamples of clients 1202 and 1204 include personal computers, personaldigital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones and smartphones.

Client 1202 includes a CPU 1226, a pointing device 1228, a keyboard1230, a microphone 1232, a printer 1234, a memory 1236, a mass memorystorage 1238, a GUI 1240, a video camera 1242, an input/output interface1244 and a network interface 1246.

CPU 1226, pointing device 1228, keyboard 1230, microphone 1232, printer1234, memory 1236, mass memory storage 1238, GUI 1240, video camera1242, input/output interface 1244 and network interface 1246 maycommunicate in a unidirectional manner or a bi-directional manner witheach other via a communication channel 1248. Communication channel 1248may be configured as a single communication channel or a multiplicity ofcommunication channels.

CPU 1226 may be comprised of a single processor or multiple processors.CPU 1226 may be of various types including micro-controllers (e.g., withembedded RAM/ROM) and microprocessors such as programmable devices(e.g., RISC or SISC based, or CPLDs and FPGAs) and devices not capableof being programmed such as gate array ASICs (Application SpecificIntegrated Circuits) or general purpose microprocessors.

As is well known in the art, memory 1236 is used typically to transferdata and instructions to CPU 1226 in a bi-directional manner. Memory1236, as discussed previously, may include any suitablecomputer-readable media, intended for data storage, such as thosedescribed above excluding any wired or wireless transmissions unlessspecifically noted. Mass memory storage 1238 may also be coupledbi-directionally to CPU 1226 and provides additional data storagecapacity and may include any of the computer-readable media describedabove. Mass memory storage 1238 may be used to store programs, data andthe like and is typically a secondary storage medium such as a harddisk. It will be appreciated that the information retained within massmemory storage 1238, may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated instandard fashion as part of memory 1236 as virtual memory.

CPU 1226 may be coupled to GUI 1240. GUI 1240 enables a user to view theoperation of computer operating system and software. CPU 1226 may becoupled to pointing device 1228. Non-limiting examples of pointingdevice 1228 include computer mouse, trackball and touchpad. Pointingdevice 1228 enables a user with the capability to maneuver a computercursor about the viewing area of GUI 1240 and select areas or featuresin the viewing area of GUI 1240. CPU 1226 may be coupled to keyboard1230. Keyboard 1230 enables a user with the capability to inputalphanumeric textual information to CPU 1226. CPU 1226 may be coupled tomicrophone 1232. Microphone 1232 enables audio produced by a user to berecorded, processed and communicated by CPU 1226. CPU 1226 may beconnected to printer 1234. Printer 1234 enables a user with thecapability to print information to a sheet of paper. CPU 1226 may beconnected to video camera 1242. Video camera 1242 enables video producedor captured by user to be recorded, processed and communicated by CPU1226.

CPU 1226 may also be coupled to input/output interface 1244 thatconnects to one or more input/output devices such as such as CD-ROM,video monitors, track balls, mice, keyboards, microphones,touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers, magnetic or papertape readers, tablets, styluses, voice or handwriting recognizers, orother well-known input devices such as, of course, other computers.

Finally, CPU 1226 optionally may be coupled to network interface 1246which enables communication with an external device such as a databaseor a computer or telecommunications or internet network using anexternal connection shown generally as communication channel 1216, whichmay be implemented as a hardwired or wireless communications link usingsuitable conventional technologies. With such a connection, CPU 1226might receive information from the network, or might output informationto a network in the course of performing the method steps described inthe teachings of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A-13G illustrate exemplary smart shelves, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13A, in thepresent embodiment a smart shelves unit 1300 may include a top 1311, abottom 1313, a back 1315, and shelves 1338. In the present embodiment,unit 1300 may be a part of an assembly of a plurality of smart shelveunits and positioned facing a conveyor belt or aisle. In the presentembodiment, shelves 1338 may be adjustable in height for supportingvarious size items 1385. In the present embodiment, a computing unit1317 and an on/off switch 1319 may be located in bottom 1313. In otherembodiments, computing unit 1317 may be located in top 1311 or back1315. In some alternate embodiments, shelves 1338 may each contain acomputing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319. In some alternateembodiments, switch 1319 may include an indicator light for indicating astatus of computing unit 1317. In the present embodiment computing unit1317 may communicate bi-directionally with computing unit 1105 fordistribution and inventory of items 1385. In the present embodiment, anitem mover 1321 may move one or more items 1385 from shelve 1338 to theconveyor belt or aisle. In the present embodiment, computing unit 1317may activate item mover 1321 through mechanism 1325. In otherembodiments, items 1385 may be moved from shelves 1338 by a manualcontrol 1325.

Referring to FIG. 13B, in the present embodiment, a smart shelves unit1301 may include a top 1311, a bottom 1313, a back 1315, and shelves1338. In the present embodiment, unit 1301 may be a part of an assemblyof a plurality of smart shelve units and positioned facing a conveyorbelt or aisle. In the present embodiment, shelves 1338 may be adjustablein height for supporting various size items 1385. In the presentembodiment, a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319 may belocated in bottom 1313. In other embodiments, computing unit 1317 may belocated in top 1311 or back 1315. In some alternate embodiments, shelves1338 may each contain a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319.In some alternate embodiments, switch 1319 may include an indicatorlight for indicating a status of computing unit 1317. In the presentembodiment computing unit 1317 may communicate bi-directionally withcomputing unit 1105 for distribution and inventory of items 1385. In thepresent embodiment, shelves 1338 may include a top portion 1341 and abottom portion 1343. In the present embodiment, computing unit 1317 mayactivate shelves 1338 to move one or more items 1385 from shelve 1338 tothe conveyor belt or aisle. In the present embodiment, top portion 1341may be moved at an appropriate angle in order to remove one item off ofshelf 1338 for a consumer. In some embodiments, a device 1345 such as,but not limited to, a magnet or any other appropriate device may be usedto allow the shelf to move easily when prompted automatically ormanually.

Referring to FIG. 13C, in the present embodiment, a smart shelves unit1302 may include a top 1311, a bottom 1313, a back 1315, and shelves1338. In the present embodiment, unit 1302 may be a part of an assemblyof a plurality of smart shelve units and positioned facing a conveyorbelt or aisle. In the present embodiment, shelves 1338 may be adjustablein height for supporting various size items 1385. In the presentembodiment, a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319 may belocated in bottom 1313. In other embodiments, computing unit 1317 may belocated in top 1311 or back 1315. In some alternate embodiments, shelves1338 may each contain a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319.In some alternate embodiments, switch 1319 may include an indicatorlight for indicating a status of computing unit 1317. In the presentembodiment computing unit 1317 may communicate bi-directionally withcomputing unit 1105 for distribution and inventory of items 1385. In anon-limiting example, some grocery items may need to be moved in amanner that protects the product from breakage, for example, but notlimited to, a bottle of wine or beer bottle. In these cases, it isimportant that the shelf only move the appropriate amount of items ontoa cushioned area on the conveyor belt and/or aisle. In the presentembodiment, shelves 1338 may include an opening 1329. In the presentembodiment, computing unit 1317 may activate shelves 1338 to move one ormore items 1385 from shelve 1338 to the conveyor belt or aisle. In thepresent embodiment, computing unit 1317 may activate item mover 1321through mechanism 1323 to move item 1385 to cover opening 1329.Computing unit 1317 may then activate lever 1327 to compress spring 1331against item 1385 to spring item 1385 into the air and onto a onto acushioned area on the conveyor belt and/or aisle. In other embodiments,items 1385 may be moved from shelves 1338 by a manual control 1325.

Referring to FIG. 13D, in the present embodiment, a smart shelves unit1303 may include a top 1311, a bottom 1313, aback 1315, and shelves1338. In the present embodiment, unit 1303 may be a part of an assemblyof a plurality of smart shelve units and positioned facing a conveyorbelt or aisle. In the present embodiment, shelves 1338 may be adjustablein height for supporting various size items 1385. In the presentembodiment, a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319 may belocated in bottom 1313. In other embodiments, computing unit 1317 may belocated in top 1311 or back 1315. In some alternate embodiments, shelves1338 may each contain a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319.In some alternate embodiments, switch 1319 may include an indicatorlight for indicating a status of computing unit 1317. In the presentembodiment computing unit 1317 may communicate bi-directionally withcomputing unit 1105 for distribution and inventory of items 1385. In thepresent embodiment, shelves 1338 may include rotatable coils 1333. Theseshelves may operate similar to the way a vending machine distributesproducts from a top to a bottom. Items such as, but not limited to, aslipsticks, books or other items may be stored in this space. In thepresent embodiment, computing unit 1317 may activate a row of coils1333, dropping one item 1385 from one of the coils in the row and sendthe item to the conveyor belt and/or aisle. Each coil may move the itemdirectly behind it to the front position. This shelf may be operatedmanually if necessary.

Referring to FIG. 13E, in the present embodiment, a smart shelves unit1304 may include a top 1311, a bottom 1313, a back 1315, and shelves1338. In the present embodiment, unit 1304 may be a part of an assemblyof a plurality of smart shelve units and positioned facing a conveyorbelt or aisle. In the present embodiment, shelves 1338 may be adjustablein height for supporting various size items 1385. In the presentembodiment, a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319 may belocated in bottom 1313. In other embodiments, computing unit 1317 may belocated in top 1311 or back 1315. In some alternate embodiments, shelves1338 may each contain a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319.In some alternate embodiments, switch 1319 may include an indicatorlight for indicating a status of computing unit 1317. In the presentembodiment computing unit 1317 may communicate bi-directionally withcomputing unit 1105 for distribution and inventory of items 1385. In thepresent embodiment, shelves 1338 may include a robotic arm 1339. In thepresent embodiment, this shelf may operate in a manner that allows items1385 to be store individually, not in a package or box. In someembodiments, items 1385 may be refrigerated with a protective glass door(not shown). In the present embodiment, computing unit 1317 may activatea mechanism 1341 to raise a shelf 1338. In the present embodiment,computing unit 1317 may activate robotic arm 1339 to grab the item andturn it upwards to be grabbed by an employee and or dropped onto theconveyor belt and/or aisle. In some embodiments, robotic arm 1339 mayinclude a mechanical claw with a strong bendable coil. In someembodiments, the long bendable coil may extend a certain distance todrop the item away from the shelf. In some alternate embodiments, ifunit 1304 is refrigerated, computing unit 1317 may be utilized tocontrol a temperature.

Referring to FIG. 13F, in the present embodiment, a smart shelves unit1305 may include a top 1311, a bottom 1313, aback 1315, and shelves1338. In the present embodiment, unit 1305 may be a part of an assemblyof a plurality of smart shelve units and positioned facing a conveyorbelt or aisle. In the present embodiment, shelves 1338 may be adjustablein height for supporting various size items 1385. In the presentembodiment, a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319 may belocated in bottom 1313. In other embodiments, computing unit 1317 may belocated in top 1311 or back 1315. In some alternate embodiments, shelves1338 may each contain a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319.In some alternate embodiments, switch 1319 may include an indicatorlight for indicating a status of computing unit 1317. In the presentembodiment computing unit 1317 may communicate bi-directionally withcomputing unit 1105 for distribution and inventory of items 1385. In thepresent embodiment, shelves 1338 area may include a light unit 1351. Insome embodiments, if unit 1305 is refrigerated, unit 1305 may include anessentially transparent door 1347 with a handle 1349. In the presentembodiment, computing unit 1317 may signal each shelf to highlight,using light unit 1351, a particular row of grocery items that are neededfor check out. In a non-limiting example, if a station or lane purpleneeds a poultry item, the software may signal the specific shelf of thepoultry item that holds the item and signal a purple flashing light.Whether the shelf is refrigerated or unrefrigerated, it may glare thelight to make it quickly recognizable to personnel. In some embodiments,light unit 1351 may include a scanning unit 1353. Scanning unit 1353 maysend a signal to the checkout station or overflow station that there areno items available or signal the exact aisle and shelf the item islocated in. In a non-limiting example, if personnel decided to switchsome poultry items because many were sold the day before, it may alertthe early-morning employee to the precise location of the item. In anon-limiting example, if item 1385 contains a sticker or SKU thatindicates various differences in pricing such as, but not limited to,$5.56 for 1.2 lbs. or $6.47 for 1.8 lbs., scanning unit 1353 may scanthe items and provide specifics pricing details to the consumer usingthe app or web site. In some alternate embodiments, if unit 1305 isrefrigerated, computing unit 1317 may be utilized to control atemperature.

Referring to FIG. 13G, in the present embodiment, a smart shelves unit1306 may include a top 1311, a bottom 1313, a back 1315, and shelves1338. In the present embodiment, unit 1306 may be a part of an assemblyof a plurality of smart shelve units and positioned facing a conveyorbelt or aisle. In the present embodiment, shelves 1338 may be adjustablein height for supporting various size items 1385. In the presentembodiment, a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319 may belocated in bottom 1313. In other embodiments, computing unit 1317 may belocated in top 1311 or back 1315. In some alternate embodiments, shelves1338 may each contain a computing unit 1317 and an on/off switch 1319.In some alternate embodiments, switch 1319 may include an indicatorlight for indicating a status of computing unit 1317. In the presentembodiment computing unit 1317 may communicate bi-directionally withcomputing unit 1105 for distribution and inventory of items 1385. In thepresent embodiment, shelves 1338 may each include a conveyer belt. Inthe present embodiment, shelves 1338 area may include a light unit 1351.In the present embodiment, computing unit 1317 may signal each shelf tohighlight, using light unit 1351, a particular row of grocery items thatare needed for check out. In a non-limiting example, if a station orlane purple needs a bread item, the software may signal the specificshelf of the bread item that holds the item and signal a purple flashinglight. In some embodiments, light unit 1351 may include a scanning unit1353. Scanning unit 1353 may send a signal to the checkout station oroverflow station that there are no items available or signal the exactaisle and shelf the item is located in. In a non-limiting example, ifpersonnel decided to switch some bread items because many were sold theday before, it may alert the early-morning employee to the preciselocation of the item. In a non-limiting example, if item 1385 contains asticker or SKU that indicates various differences in pricing, scanningunit 1353 may scan the items and provide specifics pricing details tothe consumer using the app or web site.

It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that at least aportion of the novel method steps and/or system components of thepresent invention may be practiced and/or located in location(s)possibly outside the jurisdiction of the United States of America (USA),whereby it will be accordingly readily recognized that at least a subsetof the novel method steps and/or system components in the foregoingembodiments must be practiced within the jurisdiction of the USA for thebenefit of an entity therein or to achieve an object of the presentinvention. Thus, some alternate embodiments of the present invention maybe configured to comprise a smaller subset of the foregoing means forand/or steps described that the applications designer will selectivelydecide, depending upon the practical considerations of the particularimplementation, to carry out and/or locate within the jurisdiction ofthe USA. For example, any of the foregoing described method steps and/orsystem components which may be performed remotely over a network (e.g.,without limitation, a remotely located server) may be performed and/orlocated outside of the jurisdiction of the USA while the remainingmethod steps and/or system components (e.g., without limitation, alocally located client) of the forgoing embodiments are typicallyrequired to be located/performed in the USA for practicalconsiderations. In client-server architectures, a remotely locatedserver typically generates and transmits required information to a USbased client, for use according to the teachings of the presentinvention. Depending upon the needs of the particular application, itwill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of theteachings of the present invention, which aspects of the presentinvention can or should be located locally and which can or should belocated remotely. Thus, for any claims construction of the followingclaim limitations that are construed under 35 USC § 112(6) it isintended that the corresponding means for and/or steps for carrying outthe claimed function are the ones that are locally implemented withinthe jurisdiction of the USA, while the remaining aspect(s) performed orlocated remotely outside the USA are not intended to be construed under35 USC § 112(6). In some embodiments, the methods and/or systemcomponents which may be located and/or performed remotely include,without limitation: manufacturing of system components.

It is noted that according to USA law, all claims must be set forth as acoherent, cooperating set of limitations that work in functionalcombination to achieve a useful result as a whole. Accordingly, for anyclaim having functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC § 112(6)where the embodiment in question is implemented as a client-serversystem with a remote server located outside of the USA, each suchrecited function is intended to mean the function of combining, in alogical manner, the information of that claim limitation with at leastone other limitation of the claim. For example, in client-server systemswhere certain information claimed under 35 USC § 112(6) is/(are)dependent on one or more remote servers located outside the USA, it isintended that each such recited function under 35 USC § 112(6) is to beinterpreted as the function of the local system receiving the remotelygenerated information required by a locally implemented claimlimitation, wherein the structures and or steps which enable, andbreathe life into the expression of such functions claimed under 35 USC§ 112(6) are the corresponding steps and/or means located within thejurisdiction of the USA that receive and deliver that information to theclient (e.g., without limitation, client-side processing andtransmission networks in the USA). When this application is prosecutedor patented under a jurisdiction other than the USA, then “USA” in theforegoing should be replaced with the pertinent country or countries orlegal organization(s) having enforceable patent infringementjurisdiction over the present application, and “35 USC § 112(6)” shouldbe replaced with the closest corresponding statute in the patent laws ofsuch pertinent country or countries or legal organization(s).

All the features disclosed in this specification, including anyaccompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternativefeatures serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unlessexpressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise,each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series ofequivalent or similar features.

It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC § 112(1), all claims mustbe supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patentspecification, and any material known to those skilled in the art neednot be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC § 112(6) requires thatstructures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35USC § 112(6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification.Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating andsearching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a “mean for”claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6)functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legallyvalid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of“mean for” claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered amultiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specificstructures and elements which are suitable to act as correspondingstructures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claimsthat are interpreted under 35 USC § 112(6) when such correspondingstructures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patentspecification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s)corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claimsinterpreted under 35 USC § 112(6), which is/are not explicitly disclosedin the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/ornon-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching,Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structuresand related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose ofproviding explicit structures that implement the functional meansclaimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claimsconstruction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowabilityproperly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of thesedocuments discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC§ 112(6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/ornon-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searchingand or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) alsoincorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information toidentify all such documents comprising functionally correspondingstructures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into thepresent patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3rdparties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the presentapplication to explicitly include citations to such documents and/orexplicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which wereincorporate by reference above.

Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding tofunctional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that areinterpreted under 35 USC § 112(6), which is/are not explicitly disclosedin the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitlyprescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missingdisclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patentand/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference forthe purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC §112(6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above whichare incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC § 112(6) necessarilyhave a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instantapplication, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated byreference in the instant application.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention,other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a drive-throughservice according to the present invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been describedabove by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed arenot intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.The particular implementation of a drive-through service may varydepending upon the particular context or application. By way of example,and not limitation, a drive-through service described in the foregoingwere principally directed to a drive-through service for groceryshopping implementations; however, similar techniques may instead beapplied to a drive-through service for any store with a high volume ofproducts, which implementations of the present invention arecontemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The inventionis thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to befurther understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in theforegoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of theobjects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoingspecification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or letteredsolely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numberingand lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken toindicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b)requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the natureand gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scopeor meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporatedinto the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment.

1. A system for use in consolidating items into orders comprising: aplurality of storage units for storing items and delivering items to theassembly line system; an automated machine, humanoid or robot thatidentifies an item on a storage unit to be transferred and retrieves theitem; an assembly line device, automated machine, humanoid or robotconfigured to identify items being transported by the assembly linesystem; an assembly line system configured to deliver items to theplurality of workstations; and a computing system to execute the stepsof: receiving an order notification indicating an order; identifyingitems included in the order; assigning a corresponding workstation tothe order; and receiving information indicating a plurality of itemsbeing transported by the assembly line system from assembly linedevices, conveyors, automated machines, humanoids or robots; operatingthe assembly line system to deliver the identified items included in theorder to the corresponding workstation.
 2. The system of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of workstations, each workstationincluding: a workstation scanning device; a display monitor; and anassembling area for assembling orders.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe computing system is further programmed to display an image of thecorresponding item on a corresponding display monitor.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the computing system is further programmed to displaythe order on the corresponding display monitor including a list of theidentified items.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the computing systemis further programmed to display a plurality of orders on thecorresponding display monitor in ascending order via a time stamp, anadjusted order delivery time, or priority.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein at least one storage unit is refrigerated.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one storage unit includes a lighting mechanismlight unit, the computer system is programmed to operate the light unitto identify items according to a programmed sorting method.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein at least one workstation includes acomputerized sacker.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the computerizedsacker is programmed to: determine a product characteristic associatedwith the corresponding item; calculate a sacking plan based on thedetermined product characteristic; and assemble the order based on thecalculated sacking plan.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprisingof one or more drive through lanes for delivering customer orders. 11.The system of claim 1, further comprising artificial intelligence foridentifying items.
 12. A method of operating a system for use inconsolidating items into orders, the system including a plurality ofstorage units for storing items and delivering items to the assemblyline system, an automated machine, humanoid or robot that identifies anitem on a storage unit to be transferred and retrieves the item, anassembly line device, automated machine, humanoid or robot configured toidentify items being transported by the assembly line system, anassembly line system configured to deliver items to the plurality ofworkstations, and a computing system including a processor, the methodincluding the processor of the computing system executing the steps of:receiving an order notification indicating an order; identifying itemsincluded in the order; assigning a corresponding workstation to theorder; receiving information indicating a plurality of items beingtransported by the assembly line system from assembly line devices,conveyors, automated machines, humanoids or robots; and operating theassembly line system to deliver the identified items included in theorder to the corresponding workstation.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the system includes a workstation including a workstationscanning device, a display monitor, and an assembling area forassembling orders, the method includes the processor executing the stepsof: displaying an image of the corresponding item on a correspondingdisplay monitor
 14. The method of claim 13, including the processorexecuting the steps of: displaying the order on the correspondingdisplay monitor including a list of the identified items.
 15. The methodof claim 14, including the processor executing the steps of: displayinga plurality of orders on the corresponding display monitor in ascendingorder via a time stamp, an adjusted order delivery time, or priority.16. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one storage unit isrefrigerated.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one storageunit includes a lighting mechanism light unit, the method includes theprocessor executing the steps of: operating the light unit to identifyitems according to a programmed sorting method.
 18. The method of claim12, wherein the system includes at least one workstation including acomputerized sacker.
 19. The method of claim 18, including the processorexecuting the steps of: determining a product characteristic associatedwith the corresponding item; calculating a sacking plan based on thedetermined product characteristic; and assembling the order based on thecalculated sacking plan.
 20. The method of claim 12, including theprocessor executing the steps of: operating an artificial intelligencefor identifying items.